ST. LOUIS – Blade Tidwell received his worksheet on Friday, expecting to see details about his next start with the Yankees’ Triple-A affiliate. Instead, the message read: “You’re going to the big leagues, kid.”
This news came from Eric Jagers, the pitching director, during a chat with the 23-year-old prospect as they went over the worksheet.
Scheduled to make his major league debut against the Cardinals on Sunday, Tidwell found himself pacing barefoot outside with Bentley, his 12-week-old Cabapoo puppy.
“I thought I was close, but I didn’t realize how close, so that was totally surprising,” Tidwell said before the rain at Busch Stadium on Saturday.
Ranked No. 15 by MLB Pipeline, Tidwell sports a 5.00 ERA over six starts this season for Triple-A Syracuse. However, team officials highlight his strong fundamental numbers.
He has recorded 37 strikeouts in 27 innings this year, including 18 strikeouts and just one walk in his last nine innings across two starts.
Having seen Tidwell in spring training over the last two seasons, manager Carlos Mendoza is keen to see how the right-hander performs in a major league game.
“He’s a well-known prospect, and we’re adding youthful talent to the team,” Mendoza said. “Many people should be proud of him, especially those involved in his development. It’s a significant achievement.”
The Mets initially planned for Tidwell to pitch as part of an extended rotation, given the rainout on Saturday, which created a need for an extra starter.
Tidwell will start Game 1 of a split doubleheader, with Tylor Megill slated to pitch the second game. Last week, the Mets promoted left-handed pitcher Brandon Waddell from Syracuse to help extend the rotation.
Both Waddell and fellow pitcher Justin Hagenmann have performed well in their roles.
“We knew players with minor league experience and some veterans would be crucial for the team,” Mendoza stated. “Everyone has had the chance to show what they can do. Tidwell has the opportunity to contribute. It’s exciting.”
Drafted in 2022 from the University of Tennessee, Tidwell appreciates that his debut is just a six-hour drive from his home. His family would be able to make it to the game, potentially starting from Atlanta.
When asked if knowing some of his teammates from past spring trainings helped ease his transition, Tidwell replied, “I’m not as nervous as I had built it up to be. I might’ve overthought it.”
With pitches like a sinking fastball, sliders, and changeups, Tidwell has been refining his approach lately.
“I’m trying to simplify what I do, avoiding overcomplicating my slider,” he explained. “I want to focus on making my pitches effective and improving as I go.”
